At Globe Live Media we explain what licenses you need to work as a truck driver in the United States, as well as other requirements that you must meet to do these jobs
Being a truck driver or driver is a profession that may interest you if you have good driving skills in the US If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, you will probably be interested in knowing what type of license you will need to do so.
First of all, you should keep in mind that the minimum age to operate commercial motor vehicles is 21 years old.
To become a truck driver, you must have a regular driver’s license, which, in the United States, usually costs between $20 and $90. After you have met this requirement, you will need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
CDLs have different classifications (A, B, and C), depending on the size and weight of the vehicle you are going to drive. According to the Learn How to Become portal, the CDL-A license is the most versatile for vehicles with large loads.
You will also need an authorization code from your license, which indicates what you can legally transport and what is essential for driving vehicles such as school buses.
According to the Federal Motor Cargo Safety Administration (FMCSA), the type of authorization will be given based on the load you are carrying, as well as the type of vehicle, so you should check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state of residence to verify which one you need.
In general, the cost of applying for a CDL, as well as the test you will need to pass for it, can cost between $20 and $120, depending on which state you are in.
Is this all I need to become a truck driver in the United States?
Not exactly, since most employers require that aspiring truck drivers have, in addition to the CDL license, a high school diploma, as well as intra-company training courses so that you know the vehicles, materials and equipment necessary for you to carry out your work.
But, of course, this is not to say that it is not worth the effort. If you want to become a trucker, it is best to check out the 10 industries in the US in which this type of worker earns the most money.
In fact, there are companies like Walmart that offer up to $110,000 a year for truck drivers, a salary that is not inconsiderable.
Although, in all honesty, it is not one of the jobs that offers the best salary in general. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary of a truck driver, for the year 2020, was approximately $48,710 dollars.